Kataib Hezbollah threatens US bases if Washington intervenes as Iran fires missiles at Israel

BAGHDAD — Kataib Hezbollah warned Sunday it would target U.S. military bases and interests in Iraq and across the region if Washington intervenes in the confrontation between Iran and Israel, hours after Iran launched its first direct missile attack on Israel since the April ceasefire.

“If the United States decides to intervene in the ongoing clash between Iran and Israel, all American bases and interests in Iraq and the region will be targeted,” the group said in a statement carried by its affiliated Al-Etejah TV.

Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday night. Israel’s military said air defense systems were intercepting incoming fire as air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel. Israel’s public broadcaster reported 10 ballistic missiles were fired in the initial volley, after which the Home Front Command allowed residents to leave shelters while instructing them to remain nearby. A second volley followed, with Channel 12 reporting four missiles intercepted and sirens sounding across the Golan Heights, Tiberias, Safed, Afula, Nazareth, Karmiel and areas south of Haifa. CNN, citing two Israeli sources, reported Israel was expected to respond forcefully.

Kataib Hezbollah has previously threatened U.S. military personnel and facilities in Iraq and the region in the event of expanded hostilities. Thousands of U.S. troops remain stationed in Iraq as part of the international coalition mission advising and assisting Iraqi security forces.